Not Stop at Stop Sign

Under the Road Rules 2014, Rule 67, a driver must come to a complete stop at a stop sign and give way.

Failing to stop at a stop sign in NSW involves several important legal elements. To be charged with this offence, the following key points must be considered:

• Failure to stop at the stop line
  A complete stop is required. This means the vehicle’s wheels must come to a full stop. A “rolling stop” or a “half-stop” does not meet the legal requirement.

• Failure to stop before the intersection
  If there is no stop line, you must stop before entering the intersection, as close as possible while still obeying the rule.

• Failure to give way
  After stopping completely, you must give way to any traffic or pedestrians that have the right of way at that intersection.

Understanding these key elements is crucial if you are facing a stop sign charge, as even small mistakes can lead to fines, demerit points, or licence consequences.

The main defences to fail to stop at a stop sign in NSW primarily revolve around the absence or obscurity of the stop sign, emergency situations, or a proven malfunction in the vehicle.

Possible defences may include:

• you did stop and the police officer misjudged your stop
• stop sign or line was obscured or missing
• emergency or necessity
• you were not the driver or the incorrect vehicle was identified

• Failing to stop at a stop sign carries a penalty notice of $387 which also attracts 3 demerit points.
• If you fail to stop at a stop sign whilst in a school zone, the fine increases to $514 and 3 demerit points.
• If you elect to take this matter to court, the maximum penalty for this offence can be a fine of up to $2,200.

(as of October 2025)